Scotland’s beaches triumph in prestigious award celebration

On the back of a week of beautiful sunny weather we're delighted to announce the more than 50 beaches that have scooped a Scotland's Beach Award and will be flying the prestigious flag this summer.   

Scotland’s Beach Awards celebrates the achievements of well managed beaches across Scotland meaning that visitors and locals can chose where they want to visit with the knowledge that the beach is being looked after for people, nature and the environment.

A total of 52 beaches have received the award this year, from Shetland to South Ayrshire.  

Aberdeen Ballroom Beach has successfully achieved award status for the 20th year, along with Aberdeenshire’s Stonehaven and Inverboyndie and Coldingham Beach in the Scottish Borders, while Lunan Bay in Angus has reached its 10th year as an award-winning beach. 

Five beaches have retained their status for more than three decades, while 43 beaches on the list have successfully achieved an award for 10 or more years. 

Fife retains its title as the region with the most awards, boasting 13 winning beaches. Aberdeenshire and follows with eight beaches receiving the award while there are seven award-winning beaches in East Lothian.

Barry Fisher, our CEO, said: “Scotland's Beach Awards are the benchmark for quality, celebrating clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches. Our award-winning beaches are all beautiful but seeing that flag flying means visitors can be assured that they are being looked after for people and nature. 

“It is amazing to see the consistency of standards and continuation of award status matters to those who apply year after year, and I’d like to thank all those, in councils and communities, who do so much to protect, maintain and enhance our beaches, protecting the sand and sea for us all to enjoy. 

“Our Beach Managers network meets twice a year and gathered online and in person on 28 May to prepare for the season ahead. With speakers from Scottish Government, SEPA, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and more, it is inspiring to hear how everyone works together to overcome challenges and make our award winning beaches the best they can be.

"We’re always looking for new beaches to join the award network, so if you think yours meets the standards, please do get in touch with us for support.”

Councillor Simon Mountford, Scottish Borders Council's Executive Member for Planning and Community Assets, said: "Coldingham Beach is a beautiful spot, popular with local people and visitors, and we are proud to look after it, working alongside the local community and partners through the Coldingham Beach Management Group.

"For it to have received a beach award from Keep Scotland Beautiful for the 20th consecutive year is an incredible achievement.

"It would not be possible without the public's continued support though, protecting this natural gem through responsible use: taking away litter and fantastic memories and leaving just footprints."

Steven Shaw, Environmental Manager, Aberdeen City Council, said: “We are very proud of our beach and the award success over so many years.

“The accolade reflects the care the council teams give to the beach front but also the public’s input. We have an incredible variety of amazing people who help care for our beach and arrange beach cleans as well as people keeping it clean and tidy when they go to the area.

“The future is very exciting for the beachfront as along with our beautiful two-mile-long sandy beach, there’s a multi-million pound new play area and events park to open soon which will make it an even more fantastic place to visit.”

Councillor Alan Turner, Aberdeenshire Council Infrastructure Services Committee Chair, said: “This achievement reflects a true collective effort. From the continued support and hard work of local communities alongside the year-round commitment of Landscape and Waste teams who work tirelessly in all conditions, and often out of public view, to clear debris from daily tides, respond to the impacts of winter storms, and ensure the beaches remain clean, safe, and welcoming. 

“These beaches are a vital asset to our coastal communities, serving as major attractions for visitors from across the country and beyond. They support new attractions and growing businesses, from the surf school at Inverboyndie, the paddleboarding service that tours Stonehaven beachfront, to the unique metal sculptures of local "Bansky" Jim Malcolm all contributing to the local tourism economy. 

“Looking ahead, the council remains committed to balancing the needs of residents with the expectations of visitors, ensuring these valued coastal spaces and habitats continue to thrive while preserving the qualities that make them so special.”  

In order to achieve Scotland’s Beach Awards, a range of criteria must be met, including beach safety, access and facilities, and cleanliness. Focusing on local environmental quality, the award is designed to complement the work undertaken by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on bathing water quality. The full criteria can be accessed here. 

Visit our beach map to find all the award-winning beaches with directions, facilities and images.